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National monument Dam square

Every day

13:30

Leave the touristic Amsterdam behind and get the local’s perspective!

With the Free Alternative tour in Amsterdam, we show a different side of this great liberal city. As we walk into the Jordaan we escape the crowds and tell you how Amsterdam became the hippie capital of Europe. A story about free love, free bikes and free houses! Join us as we explain, explore and lovingly make fun of Dutch culture and counter-culture.

Our Guides

Otto

“The Stereotypical Dutchman”

People say I am the Dutchman where all the stereotypes are based on. Which is great because “If it ain’t Dutch, it ain’t much.” I live right in the center in the red lights next to all the squad houses, I can’t wait to share all the crazy stories this city has to offer with you! And as an experienced guide with a psychology diploma I can tell you quite a few insights about the Amsterdam mind! Let me warn you, my hometown can be dangerous. Not just because of unlucky encounters with kamikaze bicycles but also because it is filled with tourist traps. That’s why we from the Alternative tour recommend: the free Alternative tour. Let me show you how to survive and thrive in my city like a local. Join the Ottoman empire and have a Dam good time!

Sem

“The Beast of Amsterdam”

Want to find out the result of 400 years Dutch incest? Choose me as your guide! In school the other kids made fun of me because I was so Alternative, now tourist laugh at me in my Alternative tour. Since I studied history I know there is a story behind every brick in Amsterdam. In my Free Alternative tour I will do my best to show you the the small details that make this city so beautiful, you seriously could not pay me to leave (But please, try!)! Want to find out why I have the nickname “The Beast”? I might explain to you how to party like an Amsterdammer! So want to feel like a local? Choose my tour! But I warn you, my Dutch humor is not for the faint of heart. What are you waiting for? Join my free alternative tour today!

Jannes

“The Amsterdam Smile”

When I was born I instantly had a big smile on my face, probably because I was born in the best city in the world: Amsterdam! I have been told this Amsterdam smile is contagious, as you will hopefully find out on my Alternative Amsterdam tour. I love Amsterdam’s history, squatters, hippies, street art, food, bikes, and don’t get me started on those DAM conspiracy theories. At my work as a teacher my students call me the Rock and Roll statistics professor (yes I used those words in the same sentence), because I know how to make boring numbers fun. So making the history and culture of Amsterdam fun is a piece of “space cake” for me. Are you ready for a piece of this cake called Jannes? Then join me and I will teach you how to get the hell out of the city center as I will share all the off the beaten track places where real Amsterdammers go!

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On this 2 hour tour we cover

Bike culture

Learn how hippie anti-car protest leaded to huge changes, and how Biking became part of Dutch DNA, how bikes were once free for everyone and how to make sure your bike does not get stolen by a junkie or worse… ends up in a canal.

Drug story

On the free alternative tour we discover how hippies fought for soft drug tolerance. And of course you will get the in depth story of Amsterdam’s Magic Mushrooms and Coffee Shops that sell more than just coffee.

Jordaaan

Let us wander past the most stunning canals, cute houseboats and cosy streets Amsterdam has to offer. Since the 17th century the Jordaan is Amsterdam’s real civilian neighborhood, be careful: you might not want to leave this place.

Street Art

Join this free Alternative tour if you want to discover the crazy 90’s origins of Amsterdam street art and get the insider’s advice where to find the most amazing pieces!

With almost 8 millions tourist coming to Amsterdam yearly, this city is turning into a rock’n’roll version of Disneyland. Luckily for you we at the free Alternative tour know how to escape the crowds and travel into the heart and soul of Amsterdam. We will explore houseboats, the Jordaan area and walk the alternative red light district where only the locals know about! While we tell you the grand narrative of how Amsterdam became the city where you can be who you want to be. How the Dutch fought for all these things we now take for granted: gay rights, coffeeshops, social awareness, sexual freedom, female equality, bike culture and more! Join our local guide as we explain, explore and lovingly make fun of Dutch culture on our free alternative tour.

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“What costumers say ”

Us 4 Brits joined Otto’s Free Alternative tour of Amsterdam on the 30th and we had such a blast! Otto is a really great guy – he’s got a great sense of humour, full of amazing Amsterdam knowledge and he takes the time to get to know everyone he’s showing around. He gave us so many tips for our Amsterdam stay so this was the perfect thing to do on our first day! Culture, quirks and highlights: Couldn’t recommend this more, not to be missed on your Amsterdam trip!

rhartley92

I can’t express how much fun I had in the Free Alternative tour that was given by Sem!
He’s hilarious and very friendly and I didn’t want the tour to end!
Sem gave the full and relevant info not just on the city but also in the Dutch culture, mentality and shared his recommendations on where to go for food and etc. Never felt so happy about having a walking tour!
Would recommend this free alternative tour to all my friends 100%

Trang D

One word, excellent!
I did the Free AlternativeTour with my sister. Jannes was our guide.
We loved it! Super kind and funny, with great stories to tell!
You can see that he knows his history extremely well, but knows how to bring it in a fun way.
I’ll definitely going to recommend the alternative tour to my friends.
Thanks for a very entertaining afternoon Jannes 🙂

Magnetron76

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ABOUT US

We are a group of passionate guides who love explaining how Amsterdammers do and think. The Free alternative tour Amsterdam is a great way to go off the beat track and dive into Amsterdam's cultere and counter cultere.